How is chickenpox diagnosed?

A doctor can often diagnose chickenpox just by looking for a classic symptom—a specific itchy rash, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, however, a doctor may perform additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

What tests are available for chickenpox?

The common tests used to diagnose chickenpox are swab tests and blood tests.

For a swab test, a swab is taken from a blister or scab to look for the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. Blood tests are used by taking a sample of blood and checking it for antibodies to the virus. This type of test can indicate a current or past infection, according to the CDC.

Should I get tested for chickenpox?

If you have never had chickenpox and have been exposed to someone with the virus, you may want to consider getting tested. Testing can determine if you are immune to the virus (from either a childhood infection or vaccine), or if you are currently infected with the virus.

Another reason to consider getting tested is if you have symptoms that could be caused by chickenpox. Common symptoms include an itchy rash and fever.

When should my child be tested for chickenpox?

There are two scenarios that the CDC outlines as being the best time to consider getting your child tested for chickenpox. Those scenarios are:

• After being exposed to someone who has a confirmed case of the chickenpox
• Experiencing the symptoms of chickenpox (itchy rash and fever)

Getting tested for chickenpox is especially important if your child has not been previously vaccinated for the virus.

Can chickenpox be diagnosed without testing?

Yes, many medical providers feel comfortable diagnosing chickenpox with a physical exam. This is because the virus has a distinct itchy rash and fever that is common in almost all cases, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What to expect when getting tested for chickenpox

There are two ways to get tested for chickenpox.

Swab testing for chickenpox

Getting tested for chickenpox with swab testing requires a medical professional to swab a chickenpox blister with a cotton-tipped swab. This swab is then sent to a laboratory for testing.

Blood testing for chickenpox

Getting tested for chickenpox with a blood test requires a venipuncture procedure. This procedure consists of a medical professional using a needle to take a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm or hand.

What happens when I or my child test positive for chickenpox?

If you or your child test positive for chickenpox, your doctor will advise you on the next steps for treatment. Treatment usually consists of supportive care to manage symptoms and observation for any complications, according to the CDC.

Finding a test for chickenpox

Chickenpox testing can be done at most medical facilities, including:

• Urgent care clinics
• Walk-in clinics
• Primary care clinics
• Hospitals

Can I get tested for chickenpox at home?

There is no at-home test for Chickenpox—although this may change in the future thanks to medical advancements. Currently, the best way to know if you or your child has chickenpox is to be evaluated by a doctor.

Cost of chickenpox testing

The cost of chickenpox testing will vary depending on your location, testing facility, and insurance coverage. The average cost of chickenpox testing in the United States is between $85 and $129 according to FindLabTest.com.

More about chickenpox

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox, which is also known as “varicella”, is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

It was a common childhood illness until an effective vaccine was FDA-approved in 1995. Annual cases have been on a decline ever since, according to the CDC.

Chickenpox causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters that can appear all over the body, along with fever and fatigue.

Most people who get chickenpox recover without any complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, the illness can be more serious in adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, chickenpox can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or bacterial infections of the skin.

How is chickenpox transmitted?

The chickenpox virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with the fluid from a chickenpox blister, according to the CDC. Symptoms usually appear within 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and can last for several weeks.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

The symptoms of chickenpox usually appear 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and can last for anywhere from a few days to several weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic also lists the most common symptoms as:

• Itchy rash with raised, red bumps or blisters
• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Other, less common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain
• Cough
• Muscle aches